Columbus, Ohio - October 17, 2024 - Leadership Ohio (LO), the state's premier non-partisan organization for leadership development, announces its upcoming Southeast, Ohio Session scheduled for October 18-19, 2024 with host Hocking College. Over 30 Leadership Ohio Fellows from across the state will attend this immersive local session exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of Ohio's Appalachian region.
This session will showcase the area’s rich history, natural beauty, and ongoing efforts to address economic challenges while building a sustainable future. The experience will highlight both the struggles and resilience of the region, engaging with local residents and leadership along the way.
"This session offers a powerful lens through which to understand the complexities of Appalachian Ohio," said Stephanie McManus, managing principle of Neighborhood Strategies and vice president of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. "We're excited to grapple with the region's assets, challenges, and innovative approaches to community development."
The two-day session will feature tours of Hocking College, visits to the Little Cities of Black Diamonds, and discussions on topics ranging from the polysubstance use crisis to agriculture. Participants will engage with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents working to shape the region's future.
Lisa Duty, Ph.D., executive director of Leadership Ohio, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming session, "Southeast Ohio is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage, tremendous resilience, and groundbreaking innovation - a region that should be on every entrepreneur's radar. Our Southeast Ohio session will spotlight the remarkable initiatives that are not only creating new local opportunities but strengthening Ohio's economic fabric.”
By immersing its Fellows in this unique Appalachian landscape, Leadership Ohio aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities across our state, ultimately cultivating more informed and empathetic leaders for Ohio's future.
The study of the region is sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation, Hocking College, Neighborhood Strategies, and Ohio University.
###
For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org.